Introduction
Treatments for bronchitis in cats depend on what has caused the bronchitis condition to develop. Once the cause of the bronchitis has been discovered, then effective treatments can begin. Symptoms of bronchitis in cats may become increase in severity if the cat’s stress levels increase. To help reduce stress levels, the cat should be in a quiet and comfortable environment.
Treating Bronchitis in Cats
Bronchitis caused by viral and bacterial pathogens
Bronchitis in cats that is caused by viral pathogens is normally treated through supportive therapies which include: a quiet environment, a humidifier in the room, and nutritional support. This type of condition normally resolves on its own within 14 days as long as the cat is helped through this time. Antibiotic therapies are used to treat cats suffering from bronchitis due to bacterial pathogens.
Bronchitis caused by parasites
Cats that are experiencing bronchitis due to a parasitic infection will need to be treated for that parasite. Lungworms can be treated using anti-parasitic medications, but heartworms in cats are not so easily treated. Feline heartworms can not be treated using anti-parasitic medication. Instead, the cat is given supportive therapies until the worms die on their own.
Bronchitis caused by asthma
When bronchitis is caused by a chronic feline asthma condition, the asthma will need to be treated to resolve the bronchitis. Treating asthma in cats is not always easy as the asthma trigger can be difficult to pinpoint. During periods where the asthma becomes severe, anti-inflammatory medications and steroids may be used to try to control the condition. Another type of medication, terbutaline, relaxes the muscles in the bronchial airways and is administered through a subcutaneous injection. Bronchial dilators may also be administered through medications that are inhaled.